Third-ranked Hurricanes' run shaped by last year's four-game skid

Hurricanes coach Mark Richt discusses his seniors ahead of Miami's final regular-season home game Saturday.

The first four games of the Mark Richt era in 2016 went pretty well for Miami. Then came a brutal four-game losing streak last October that frustrated players, coaches and fans.

There was heartbreak against rival Florida State, a late blocked extra-point helping the Seminoles hang on for a 20-19 win. Then a tough call that gave North Carolina a touchdown in what was eventually a 20-13 Tar Heels win. A decimated, injury-plagued defense struggled in a 37-16 loss to Virginia Tech, and then there was the 20-point comeback effort that fell short in a 30-27 loss to Notre Dame that capped a month of misery in Coral Gables.

Advertisement

The Hurricanes haven’t lost since, winning 14 in a row. December brought the program’s first bowl win in a decade. With two weeks still left in the regular season this year, the Hurricanes have already clinched their first Coastal Division crown and Miami’s ascent has also brought it one of the coveted top four spots in the College Football Playoff rankings.

Looking back on it all, Richt said it was that tough stretch last October that helped shape Miami into the team it is today.

“I thought that might have been the turning point of this tenure so far. How did we react when we lost four in a row? Guys could have started doubting the coaching staff and all that kind of thing, but that never really happened,” Richt said this week as the third-ranked Hurricanes continue preparations for Saturday’s regular-season home finale against Virginia. “We did a good job of establishing team unity and work ethic and trust going into the season and then when things got rough, the adversity hit, we held up well and we started winning again.

“People started to believe a little bit more, and the bowl, it was a landmark. It hadn’t been done in a long time, and guys knew that. Becoming Coastal Division champs is another historical moment, truly historical moment for the program. It’s been good. We’re on the rise and we have to understand we’ve not arrived yet.”

There is, though, symmetry the Hurricanes have enjoyed. This season, they’ve avenged each of those four losses of a season ago, something more than a few players have noted was important to them. Now, the focus shifts to uncharted territory: closing out the season on a high note, playing for an ACC title and hopefully, remaining in contention for a playoff berth and the chance to play for the program’s first national championship since 2001.

“Last year we recognized how not focusing messes you up. So, this year, we’re just paying attention,” defensive end Chad Thomas said. “Follow coach [Richt’s] lead, follow all our coaches’ lead. Most of the seniors are leading so I guess the young guys, they just went under our wings. We just try to lead by example, just show them what to do.”

Johnson, Herndon honored

Two of Miami’s top playmakers remain in the running for major national awards.

Safety Jaquan Johnson, who this week was named both the Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week and the ACC Defensive Back of the Week, is one of 15 semifinalists for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. He is one of just four defensive players on the list.

Tight end Chris Herndon, meanwhile, has been named one of eight semifinalists for the Mackey Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top tight end.

Johnson, a junior, has a team-high 66 tackles for the Hurricanes, has forced a fumble, recovered another and has three interceptions.

The ACC announced Wednesday the game in Charlotte is sold out, and at Miami, there is high demand for the school’s allotted 7,500 tickets. Hurricane Club members have the first chance at buying those tickets, with the school taking requests for purchases through Monday.

An additional 500 tickets are being made available for Miami band members and students.

As of Thursday afternoon, ticket resale website Stubhub.com said it still had 4,652 tickets left for purchase starting at $122.

No surprises on injury report

Miami released its ACC-mandated injury report on Thursday and there were no surprises, indicating the Hurricanes expect to have all their healthy players available against the Cavaliers.

The only players listed were those already known with season-ending injuries including defensive lineman Demetrius Jackson and linebacker Charles Perry, who were hurt in the last two weeks. Also appearing on the report were defensive back Teddy Stavetski, wide receiver Evidence Njoku, running back Mark Walton and linebacker Jamie Gordinier.